The release followed calls from the Conservative Party, which demanded transparency after prosecutors dropped the case due to insufficient evidence. Starmer authorised the publication of three statements from Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins, which were posted on the government's website late Wednesday.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, there was not enough evidence to show China posed a national security threat to the UK between 2021 and 2023 - the period when the Conservatives were in power. Starmer, a former prosecutor, said his government“had no involvement” in how the evidence was gathered or submitted.

One of the statements by Collins, dated August 2025, described China's intelligence agencies as“highly capable” and said they conduct“large-scale espionage operations against the United Kingdom” that threaten the country's economic and democratic resilience.

The Conservatives sharply criticised the limited release, accusing Starmer of withholding key details.“It is regrettable the prime minister acted only under pressure and published incomplete documents,” a party spokesperson said.“The China files must be released in full.”

The case involved two British nationals, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, arrested in 2023 on charges of sharing sensitive information that could“aid an enemy.” Prosecutors later dropped all charges, citing a lack of sufficient evidence.

Starmer told Parliament he was“deeply disappointed” by the outcome but reaffirmed that no ministers or advisers influenced the judicial process. He also rejected claims of political interference in the decision to halt prosecution.

The Labour government, meanwhile, has been working to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing. Analysts say London is seeking Chinese investment to stabilise its weak economy while balancing national security concerns.

The spy case, now closed, has morphed into a political flashpoint, with critics accusing the government of limited transparency and raising questions about how Britain manages its increasingly complex relationship with China.

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